Ohio State secured a dramatic 116-114 double-overtime victory over Nebraska in Columbus on Tuesday, led by Bruce Thornton’s 29 points and Micah Parrish’s clutch performance.
Parrish scored five of his 22 points in the second overtime, including a key three-pointer in the final minute.
Devin Royal contributed 22 points, while John Mobley Jr. added 20 for the Buckeyes (17-13, 9-10 Big Ten), who have now won two straight. Brice Williams delivered a career-best 43 points for Nebraska (17-13, 7-12 Big Ten), scoring 31 after halftime. Juwan Gary added 24 points, and Connor Essegian had 16.
With Ohio State leading 110-106 in the final minute of the second overtime, Evan Mahaffey’s free throws extended the lead before Williams’ three-point play pulled Nebraska within three. Mobley then hit four crucial free throws in the closing seconds to secure the Buckeyes’ win, despite Williams drilling a buzzer-beating three.
Williams had also propelled Nebraska early in overtime, scoring five straight points for a 94-89 lead. Ohio State responded with three-pointers from Thornton and Parrish, tying the game at 99. Royal had a chance to win it from the line but split his free throws, and Williams missed a potential game-winner.
Earlier, the Cornhuskers had rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit. They trailed 87-80 with just over two minutes left before an Andrew Morgan three-point play tied it at 88 with 42 seconds to go. Mobley briefly put Ohio State ahead with a free throw, but Williams responded to force overtime.
Ohio State held a 45-39 halftime lead after Mobley hit a deep three at the buzzer. The Buckeyes had led by as many as 11 before Nebraska clawed back late in regulation.
Ohio State wraps up its regular season at Indiana on Saturday, while Nebraska hosts Iowa on Sunday.
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